Barnett Sentenced In Drug Delivery Case

Ordered to serve time in a state correctional institution

By Chanin Rotz-Mountz

STAFF WRITER

Judge Carol L. Van Horn took into account a McConnellsburg man’s prior record as well as the countless times he was unsuccessful in completing drug and alcohol treatment when handing down his latest sentence this week.

Roger Barnett
Roger Lee Barnett was ordered by Judge Van Horn on Tuesday, August 31, to complete between 24 and 60 months in a state correctional institution in connection with the delivery of a controlled substance within a school zone. In a separate case involving criminal conspiracy to deliver, Barnett will complete an additional 18-to-60-month sentence.

Barnett, 54, was also ordered to refrain from having contact with his girlfriend, Carolyn Spoonire, whom he previously resided with at a duplex located at 655 East Maple Street, McConnellsburg.

Barnett and Spoonire were arrested in July 2009 following a search of their rental home that netted $145 in marked state police bills and 6.5 grams of crack cocaine. Other items located in the search were multiple Pennsylva- nia Access cards not issued in Spoonire’s or Barnett’s name, a telescope, camera, numerous engagement and wedding bands and power tools.

Spoonire was sentenced in June 2010 to a 4-to-10- year combined sentence for delivery and possession of crack cocaine in a school zone and criminal conspiracy following a two-day jury trial. At the time, she was ordered to not have any contact with her boyfriend and co-defendant.

Van Horn went on to say Barnett has had five opportunities to receive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction since the 1990s. “You still haven’t dealt with these issues,” said the judge, who noted, regardless of the type of crime, any breaking of the law is serious. “You can’t continue to engage in illegal activity.”

Speaking on behalf of Barnett, Fulton County Public Defender Tamela Bard stated her client had cooperated throughout the entire process, waived his right to arraignment and entered a guilty plea. Bard added that the difference between Barnett and Spoonire has been the level of cooperation and his prior record.

The public defender pointed out that until his arrest Barnett had been free of drugs for some time, and he wanted to turn his life over to God.

In addition to time in a state correctional institution, Barnett will pay $1,500 in fines, $150 in restitution to the Pennsylvania State Police, $339 in lab user fees, court costs and a $25 supervision fee. He will receive credit for time previously served during the course of the last year.